Chef David Burke’s Super Bowl Snacks

Pass on the fried grapes if you'd like, but don't skip out on the honey-peanut filling for David Burke's bacon-wrapped dates.

Even if the New York Giants aren’t in the playoffs, you can pretty much count on me sitting back and relaxing to watch the big game at the end of the season. From the pregame antics and the halftime show to the incredible display of athleticism out on the field, it’s hard not to love the Super Bowl.

And, for many households, the Super Bowl doesn’t only mean football, pools, and beers, but it means food as well, which is where I come in. This year, I’m looking forward to serving up these dishes for my family and friends while we watch the Ravens and the 49ers match up in New Orleans. They’re all unique spins on classics that will really blow the nachos and Buffalo wings out of the park. OK, you got me; I’ve got to have those dishes at my Super Bowl party as well, but this year, try adding these to the mix.

My Maple Bacon Dates are a spin on the popular bacon-wrapped dates; I just add a nutty twist to it. If you’re not in the mood to fry, skip the grapes (although I strongly suggest you don’t), but making the peanut-honey-cayenne purée to stuff the dates with is a must.

Beef Burke-y is my own take on beef jerky. It’s a man’s snack, perfect for a football game, and I bet you didn’t realize how easy it is to make. This is great to make ahead of time just to have lying around the house.

For those of you who have burgers and dogs on the menu this year, make these additional accoutrements that I serve with my Kobe Bad Ass Dog. My onion jam adds a great depth flavor to a usually boring ketchup-and-mustard hot dog, and my angry onions are the perfect crunch.

There are no special tricks to my Deviled Eggs, but I promise you that you’ll love them. A lot of people don’t think about putting sour cream into their recipe, and I think it’s what adds that special something. Espelette pepper is a French type of chile pepper and if you can’t find it in the store, feel free to substitute with cayenne.

David Burke is a world-renowned chef and restaurateur. To learn more about him, visit his website and his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter @ChefDavidBurke.